A Worcestershire academic will explore the region’s links to renowned fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien at a special event at The Hive.
Dan Johnson, Senior Lecturer at the University of Worcester and Malvern Hills Walking Guide, will be interviewed by journalist Stewart Kingscott at the free event, where they will discuss the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit author’s long-standing links to Malvern.
Taking place from 6.30pm-8pm on 22 September, the event will examine how Worcestershire, and Malvern in particular, played a role in some of the most important moments on Tolkien’s journey towards publishing The Lord of the Rings.
It’s being held on National Hobbit Day, which is celebrated every year to mark the fictional shared birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, two of Tolkien’s best-known characters.
Tolkien’s association with Malvern has long fascinated fans and historians alike. It is well known that both Tolkien and Narnia author C.S. Lewis spent time in the town, and over the years a host of myths, legends and disputed stories have emerged about their visits and the influence the area may have had on their work.
Dan, who hosts regular walks across the Malvern Hills exploring the region’s literary connections, said: “Tolkien didn’t just write stories, he created worlds. Others have done it since, but he and CS Lewis really were the first of their kind. The Lord of the Rings is widely regarded as one of the greatest pieces of fiction writing of the 20th Century because it’s such an epic story, and it’s so descriptive.”
He added: “A lot of myths surround Tolkien’s links to Worcestershire. He was born in South Africa, he lived in Oxford, and he retired to Bournemouth, so there isn’t a huge amount of easily accessible information about what happened during his time here.”
“But when you dig a little deeper, you see how much time he spent here and how many events in Malvern helped shape the path towards the publication of his Lord of the Rings.”
The event will also give audiences the chance to learn more about C.S. Lewis and his own connections to the region.
Dan said: “The pair were great rivals, but great friends as well. There is so much connecting Tolkien to the Malvern’s through CS Lewis, so people in attendance will be able to find out a lot more about both literary giants.”
The evening will feature a discussion between Dan Johnson and Stewart Kingscott, followed by an opportunity for audience members to ask questions about Tolkien’s links to Worcestershire and the enduring fascination surrounding one of literature’s most celebrated authors.
Stewart said: “If I stand on my tiptoes in my bathroom, I can just about see the top of the Malver Hills on the skyline. To think that these books, films, and stories, which have surrounded me all my life, can be so closely linked to where I live fascinates me.”
He added: “Dan has some brilliant stories to tell about those links and I can’t wait for him to share them with us.”
Tickets are free to book, but must be booked in advance. Please book using this link.
Learn more about Dan Johnson’s literary walks on his website.